Question

in the country of zouman, in persia, there lived a greek king. this king was a leper, and all his doctors had been unable to cure him, when a very clever physician came to his court.

he was very learned in all languages, and knew a great deal about herbs and medicines.

as soon as he was told of the kings illness he put on his best robe and presented himself before the king. \sire,\ said he, \i know that no physician has been able to cure your majesty, but if you will follow my instructions, i will promise to cure you without any medicines or outward application.\

the king listened to this proposal.

\if you are clever enough to do this,\ he said, \i promise to make you and your descendants rich for ever.\

-\the story of the greek king and the physician douban.\

what motivates the king to offer douban great riches?
check all that apply.

douban is an accomplished physician.
the kings advisors know that douban is wise.
the king believes that douban needs money.
the king has a disease that no one can cure.
douban was recommended by his doctors.

Explanation:

Analyze the king's situation and illness

Using the Character Motivation Analysis and Literary Plot Motivation knowledge points

• The text states: "This king was a leper, and all his doctors had been unable to cure him..."
• This establishes that the king has a severe disease (leprosy) that none of his current doctors can cure, which is a primary motivator for seeking outside help.

Analyze Douban's qualifications and proposal

Using the Character Motivation Analysis and Literary Plot Motivation knowledge points

• The text describes Douban as "a very clever physician" who is "very learned in all languages, and knew a great deal about herbs and medicines."
• Douban presents himself to the king and promises: "I will promise to cure you without any medicines or outward application."
• The king's motivation to offer riches is directly tied to Douban's status as an accomplished physician who proposes a cure for his incurable condition.

Evaluate the remaining options against the text

Using the Character Motivation Analysis and Literary Plot Motivation knowledge points

• "The king's advisors know that Douban is wise": The text does not mention any advisors knowing Douban or speaking to the king about him.
• "The king believes that Douban needs money": There is no textual evidence suggesting the king thinks Douban is in financial need.
• "Douban was recommended by his doctors": The text states his doctors were "unable to cure him," and Douban "presented himself before the king" on his own initiative after hearing of the illness. No recommendation is mentioned.

Answer:

• Douban is an accomplished physician. (Correct answer)
• The king's advisors know that Douban is wise.
• The king believes that Douban needs money.
• The king has a disease that no one can cure. (Correct answer)
• Douban was recommended by his doctors.